Established in 2004, Hi Amp Electric , a family owned business and a full-service electrical contractor, provides electrical wiring for both new and remodel commercial, residential,industrial and institutional facilities in Puget Sound Washington. It is the purpose of the company to provide timely electrical service at a competitive price. Time after time, you can rely on quality craftsmanship from Hi Amp Electric employees,who are committed to serving the client's best interest. Call Mike @ 888-278-3616 for a firm, competitive quote for your electrical project. Electrical problems fixed too.

From small electrical wiring jobs to upgrading all the wiring in an older home, a professional electrical contractor should always be used to get the job done right and to ensure your safety and your homes. Electrical repair and upgrades are often required in older homes as we use more electrical applicances and systems in our homes. If you choose Hi Amp Electric you can find highly trained professionals to complete your electrical home improvement! Below are the types of information you will need to know in order to submit your project to our Electricians:

Do you need electrical repairs of the existing wiring or installation of new wiring?

What type of electrical work do you need completed?

What is the age of your home?

What is the age of the electrical wiring in your home?

As much project details as you can provide will ensure you get the best estimate possible.

Electrical Home Improvement Tips

Install Energy Star LightingEnergy Star products surpass the strict energy efficiency and conservation guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). These light fixtures come with 10,000-hour (7 year) fluorescent bulbs or motion sensor/photocell controls to reduce energy usage. They use 50-70% less energy than regular lighting.

Should You Get An Electrical Inspection? When you buy a home you get a property inspection because you want to make sure that the features you are purchasing (ie. appliances, plumbing etc.) are fully capable of handling your lifestyle. Typically, most people don't think about an eletrical inspection. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, a separate and comprehensive electrical inspection is necessary in many home purchases. Your lifestyle may require more energy usage than the previous owner. You may have one or more additional appliances than the previous homeowner that may cause an electrical strain, which can lead to circuit breakage or even an electrical fire. Be sure to have an inspection done by a licensed electrician who can determine that your home's electric strcuture is 1) up to your requirements, 2) up to date and 3) up to state and county code.

Here are some checks you can make in your home today to ensure electrical safety:

Outlets

Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire.Replace any missing or broken wall plates. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.

Cords

Make sure cords are in good condition—not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to another object. Do not place cords under carpets or rugs or rest any furniture on them.

Extension Cords

Check to see that cords are not overloaded. Additionally, extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent household wiring. Make sure extension cords have safety closures to help prevent young children from shock hazards and mouth burn injuries.

Plugs

Make sure your plugs fit your outlets. Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong fit a two-conductor outlet; this could lead to an electrical shock. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. Plugs should fit securely into outlets. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical shock. Test GFCIs according to the manufacturer's instructions monthly and after major electrical storms to make sure they are working properly. Replace all GFCIs that are not working properly, but never replace a GFCI with a standard non-GFCI outlet or circuit breaker. Do not use an appliance or device that trips a GFCI on a nonGFCI-protected circuit; instead, take the appliance to authorized repair center to be checked for faulty wiring or replace it.

Light Bulbs

Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely; loose bulbs may overheat.

Circuit Breakers/Fuses

Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit. If you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used. Always replace a fuse with the correctly specified size fuse.

Water and Electricity Don't Mix

Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they might fall in contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out—even if it's turned off. First turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the appliance. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repair person.

Appliances

If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker or if it has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.

Entertainment/Computer Equipment

Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly. Look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and connectors. Use a surge protector bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency.

Outdoor Safety

Electric-powered mowers and other electric tools should not be used in the rain, on wet grass or in wet conditions. Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before each use for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housings. If any part is damaged, stop using it immediately. Repair it or replace it. Always use an extension cord marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools. Remember to unplug all portable power tools when not in use. When using ladders, watch out for overhead wires and power lines.

Ladders

When using ladders, avoid contact with overhead wires and power lines. Stay at least 10 feet from all lines.

Lightning

During an electrical storm, do not use appliances (i.e., hairdryers, toasters and radios) or telephones (except in an emergency); do not take a bath or shower; keep batteries on hand for flashlights and radios in case of a power outage; and use surge protectors on electronic devices, appliances, phones, fax machines and modems.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture and rugs. Don't use in rooms where children are unsupervised and remember to turn off and unplug when not in use. Do not use space heaters with extension cords; plug directly into an outlet on a relatively unburdened circuit.

Halogen Floor Lamps

Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact with draperies, clothing or other combustible materials. Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time and never use torchiere lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms. Consider using cooler fluorescent floor lamps.

Wiring

Unless you are qualified and experienced in electrical work, consider hiring a licensed electrician for electrical repairs, maintenance and installations. If you elect to perform such work, make sure you follow these safety basics:

Never work on or around “hot” lines. Always de-energize lines and equipment by disconnecting from the power source at the circuit breakers or fuses. Don't forget to test every conductor before you make contact with it.

Never use the ground wire as the neutral or circuit-carrying conductor. The ground wire is not designed to carry current continuously, but briefly under an abnormal condition. The neutral wire is designed as a current carrier and can carry as much current as the hot wire. Use a strip gauge on devices to strip the proper length of insulation from wires. Too little risks the screw tightening on plastic insulation; too much leaves bare wires that can cause a dangerous contact. When using wire connectors, be sure the insulation on the wires is completely covered by the wire connector.

Save as much as 20%-30% on your heating or cooling costs by allowing for multiple daily settings and automatically adjusting when the outside temperature changes.

Ceiling Fans

Moving air tends to feel cooler, allowing for higher summertime thermostat settings. According to EREN, the effect is equivalent to lowering the air temperature by about 4 F (2 C), and using less energy than air conditioners in doing so. Set the unit on reverse and it will bring the warm air down.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's)

CFL's use up to 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer, according to Home Energy Saver.

Energy-efficient appliances

Among household appliances, the refrigerator is likely your biggest energy consumer, especially if it's more than 15 years old. It can account for up to 9% of your energy costs alone. Again, use the Energy Star site for a list of energy-efficient models if you're looking to replace yours.

Hot water jackets

Heating water is the third-biggest home-energy cost and typically accounts for 14%-20% of your energy bill. Because hot water jackets usually sell for $10 to $20, shipping charges for buying them online can easily increase their cost by 50% or more. It's best to use the Web to find offline deals in this case. At the Home Depot site, I found a $10 Frost King vinyl-cased fiberglass jacket for water heaters up to 60 gallons and used the online site to find the closest store.

Aerating, low-flow faucets and showerhead

Other ways to save

If you use space heaters instead of central heating, you can save nearly $1200/year!

If you use fans instead of air conditioning, you can save about $600/year.

If you dry your clothes on a line instead of in a dryer, you can save $150/year.

If you wash your laundry in cold water instead of hot, you can save $150/year.

If you replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescents, you can save nearly $100/year.

If you get rid of your television, you can save $75/year.

If you put your computer in sleep mode when you’re not using it, you can save $60/year.

Each year, fire claims the lives of 4,000 Americans and injures approximately 20,000 more. During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires,

hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and $868 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances.

Many of these fires are caused by misuse or overloading electrical circuits .

You've upgraded your kitchen, plumbing, roof, bathroom, and carpet...

now pay some attention to the most critical and unfortunately

most overlooked system in your home. Your electrical System!

THE FACTSWinter months are the most dangerous time for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increase in lighting,

heating, and appliance use. Most electrical wiring fires start in the bedroom.

THE CAUSE

Electrical Wiring

Most electrical fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs,

such as extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires. In urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires. Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits,

poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas. Home Appliances

The home appliances most often involved in electrical fires are electric panels, stoves and ovens, dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios and record players. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Have your electrical panel checked by a licensed electrician Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen. If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord. Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then call electrician to professionally replace,

light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets. Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently

with your family.

Maintain Electrical SafelyThe insulation on electrical cords canbecome damaged by wear, flexing, or age.Do not use any cord that is stiff or cracked.Some clues that you may have an electricalproblem are :

1. Flickering lights. If the lights dim everytime you turn on an appliance thatcircuit is overloaded or has a looseconnection.

2. Sparks. If sparks appear when youinsert or remove a plug, they could be asign of loose connections.

3. Warm electrical cord. If an electricalcord is warm to the touch, the cord isunderrated or defective.

4. Frequent blown fuses or brokencircuits. A fuse or circuit breaker thatkeeps tripping is an important warningsign of problems.

5. Frequent bulb burnout. A light bulbthat burns out frequently is a sign thatthe bulb is too high a wattage for thefixture.

Use Electrical Devices SafelyLight bulbs, especially the newer halogentypes, get very hot and can ignitecombustible materials that get too close.Clothing or towels should never be placedatop a lampshade and table lamps shouldnot be used without a shade where theymight fall over onto a bed or sofa. Mostlight fixtures are labeled to show thebrightest bulb that can be safely used inthat fixture; too high a wattage bulb cancause the fixture to overheat and start afire. Extension cords are a common causeof electrical fires. You must be careful touse only extension cords that are rated forthe power used by the device they arepowering. Extension cords should never beused as a long term solution to the need foranother receptacle. Extension cords mustnever be run inside walls or under rugs orfurniture. Extension cords can get warm inuse and must be able to dissipate this heator they can start a fire.

Prevent electrical problemsStudies of electrical fires in homes showthat many problems are associated withimproper installation of electrical devicesby do-it-yourselfers. Common errors thatcan lead to fires include the use ofimproperly rated devices such as switchesor receptacles and loose connections atthese devices. Both can lead to overheatingand arcing that can start fires. Fires are stillcaused by people using the wrong size fuseor even putting a penny behind a fuse whenthey don’t have a spare. These practices arevery dangerous. The fuse is a safety devicedesigned to limitthe electricitycarried by thecircuit to a safelevel. Electricityand water are abad combination.All electricaldevices installedoutdoors shouldbe speciallydesigned foroutdoor use. Outdoor receptacles as well asthose in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhereelse near water should be the ground faultcircuit interrupting type (GFCI).

888-278-3616

Hi Amp Electric is a Full Service company. This means we are able to provide our customers with a full range of electrical services, from Service Calls to Custom Residential Construction to Multi-Story Building Renovation. Here is a list of some of our most frequently requested work.

Cloth wires in old houses is a potential fire hazard. We're specializing in Complete Rewiring of old houses and to bring them up to code. (All Rewiring projects required city or State permit and inspection)

When adding major appliances and/or circuits you may need to upgrade the existing Electric Panel for more amperage support. Also in some old panels - breakers stop to function properly and may not trip when the circuit is overloaded. We're specializing in all types of Electrical Panels, we do Replacements and Panel-Upgrades as well as Sub-Panels. (All Panel Upgrade projects required city or State permit and inspection)

We install all kinds of dedicated circuits 110v to 220v to 480v. When you install a major appliance in your house you may need a Dedicated Circuit. Also today's codes require some circuits in kitchens and bathrooms to be dedicated as well as being protected by GFCI outlet.

Weather you build a new house or adding a room, we do all new construction installation from A to Z. All Electrical wiring as well as low voltage, including, Phone, TV and Data.

It is important to be aware of all the different lighting options, and which kind of lighting will work best for each customer. At Hi Amp Electric. we specialize in Light Design and helping each customer select the best lighting available to fit their special needs.

All types of Bathroom Exhaust Fans and Heaters. We do replacements and new installations as well as roof ducting.

Let the professionals do it. When you need to mount your flat panel TV, we do it all. New outlet hidden behind the TV, Professional TV Mount and all wires concealed in walls. Let a professional contractor do it for you!

Puget Sound Washington Electrical Contractor and Electricians - If you’re in need of some serious re-wiring, Hi Amp Electric's electricians will shock you back to normal.

Puget Sound electricians work hard to bring electricity to every

Puget Sound home and building. At the most basic level, we install wires, which carry electricity throughout the home or businesses. Our experts also repair electric machinery, fix or replace bad wiring, or install surveillance wiring.

Puget Sound electrical contractors are always employed as part of a new home or building. They are vital when preparing and implementing electrical blueprints. These blueprints typically include information on where wires will be routed, identify potential wiring problems or hazards, and highlight the location of electrical equipment and outlets. Hi Amp Electric can run conduit inside walls for wiring, install junction boxes on the walls to hold switches and outlets, and pull wires through the conduits to connect the boxes and create a circuit so the electricity can flow.

Our electrical experts can repair and install circuit breakers, transformers, and other equipment to control the flow of electricity. They are also responsible for verifying that the correct amount of electricity reaches machines and appliances in use. Following strict regulations for wiring in buildings is an essential part of an electrician's work.

Some of the common tools used by electrical contractors in Puget Sound include ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes, all of which measure the amount of electricity running through a circuit. When hiring a local Puget Sound electrical contractor or electrician it is important to choose one who is licensed, accredited, and recommended. You don’t want your home subject to faulty wiring. Hi Amp Electric is a family owned business dedicated to your safety, not what is in your pocketbook. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Call Mike @ 888-278-3616Puget Sound Electrical Contractor & Electricians